Rauh inducted into state association Hall of Fame

John Rauh of Jackson was inducted into the Missouri State Bowling Association Hall of Fame on July 8, honored for a lifetime of service to the sport.

He was introduced to the sport at the age of 15 by his uncle at Trinity Lanes in Cape Girardeau.

Rauh has been a member of the Cape Girardeau Bowling Association Board for 29 years, including seven years as secretary-treasurer. He is a life member and Hall of Fame member of the association.

Rauh helped begin the Hall of Fame Bowler of the Year in Cape Girardeau and has been responsible for coordinating many local tournaments.

He also has been a member of the Missouri State Bowling Association Board for 19 years, and served as the state president. He helped rewrite some of the organization's bylaws and policies and missed just one board meeting in his tenure, to attend his grandson's graduation in Florida.

Rauh also served on the USBC Transition Committee.

Rauh also had ability on the lanes as well. He bowled a 300 game, accomplishing the feat April 28, 1983. He has bowled numerous 700 series, including a career high of 779, and has held a 200-plus average for more than 20 years.

He had surgery on his right hand in 1998 and was told to stop bowling. He switched to his left hand and carried a 143 average for two years.